Steam-engine



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

J. W. NITCHER.

STEAM ENGINE. No. 561,603. Patented June 9, 1896.

"TM "L zz. Z--

(No Model.)

J. W. NITGHB'R.

` STEAM ENGINE.

No. 561,603. y

Patented June 9, 1896.

-DNVIm GMEN PATENT FFlCF.

JOHN XV. NlTCI-IVER, OF GALESBURG, ILLlNOIS.

STEAM-ENGINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 561,603, dated J' une 9, 1896.

Application filed October 24, 1893. Serial No. 489,011. (No model.)

To LZZ whom it may concern: if

Be it known that I, JOHN W. NITCHER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Galesburg, in the county of Knox and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steam-Engines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in steam-engines.

The invention in its main feature consists in a steam-cylinder located within and concentric with the steam-chest and provided with a single annular space or opening at each end, and each of which serves both. as an inlet and outlet port for the passage of steam.

The invention further consists in annular valves located in the annular space between the steam-chest and cylinder and each adapted to open the adjacent single annular space on one side as a steam-induction port and on its other side as a steam-exhaust port and to close it; and it further consists in irnprovements in the construction of the valves, in improved intermediate connections between the valves, in improved means for actuating the valves, and in other features evolved in carrying out the main features of my improvements, and whichother features consist in novel constructions, novel organizations of parts, and novel combinations of parts, the operation of which parts as constructed, as organized, and as combined are hereinafter fully described, and the novel combinations of which are expressed in the claims forming part of this specification.

Mechanism embodying the preferred constructive forms of and showing the mutual relationship and combination of the parts forming the subject-matter of my improvements is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a sectional elevation of the cylinder, steam-chest, and adjacent parts in the line 1 1 in Fig. 2; Fig. 2, a sectional elevation in the line 2 2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a sectional elevation in the line 3 in Fig. 1; Fig. et, an enlarged detail of the parts shown at the upper left-hand corner of Fig. 1; Fig. 5, an enlarged sectional elevation of one of the annular valves and the adjacent ends of a valm-connectin g rod and a valve-stem ,partly in section; Fig. 6, an elevation of one of the frame-rings of one of the ring-valves Fig. 7, a sectional plan in the line 7 '7 in Fig. 3; Fig. 8, a perspective showing the adjacent ends of two of the arc-shaped sections of one of the inside valve packing-rings in their united positions; Fig. 9, a perspective of the same parts shown at Fig. 8, but shown separated; Fig. 10, a central sectional elevation lengthwise of Fig. S or in line 10 10 in Fig. 11, showing also in sectional elevation a fragmental part of the frame-ring e; Fig. 11, a sectional elevation in line 11 11 in Fig. 10; Fig. 12, a perspective showing the adjacent ends of two of the arc-shaped sections of one of the outside valve packing-rings in their united positions; Fig. 13, a perspective of the same parts shown at Fig. 12, but shown separated; Fig. 14., a plan of the parts shown at Fig. S, seen from below.

The steam-cylinder A is concentric with the steam-chest B, which incloses it circumferentially thereof and is preferably held and fixed in position Within the steam-chest by means of ribs a, which are cast integral with the outer wall or casing b of the steam-chest and outer wall or casing a of the cylinder, which also forms the inner wall of the steamchest. The ribs d preferably do not extend the entire length of the cylinder, but at short distances thereon, as shown at Figs. 1 and 7 to provide for free passage of steam around the outer side of and mid-length portion and ends of the steam-cylinder. The heads C C are fixed to the steam-chest by bolts c2. Each head C C' has an inwardly-projecting cylindrical part c3, which is somewhat less in diameter than the outer diameter of the cylinder A and is screw-threaded to receive a ring or annular shaped valve-seat D, which is correspondingly screw-threaded, so that by revolving it on the part c3 it may be moved lengthwise thereof.

The outer surface of each valve-seat D is of same diameter as the outer surface of the adjacent end of the cylinder A, and these surfaces of the ring-shaped or annular valveseats D and the outer surfaces of the adjacent ends of the cylinder A are planed and fitted as seats for the ring-shaped or annular valves E, hereinafter described.

The cylinder A is located with respect to IOO the heads C C in such manner that while each end of the cylinder is a short distance from the adjacent projecting part c3 of a head, so as to leave an annular space or opening between each end of the cylinder and the adjacent part c3 to form an annular steam-port a2 at each end of the cylinder, the heads C C at the same time serve as heads for the cylinder A.

It will be evident that other means than the ribs a may be used for securing the cylinder in place within the steam-chest, such as bolts, rivets, or other devices, to secure the walls or casings Ct' and b to each other, and that the cylinder may be secured in place within the steam-chest by alone iXin g it with bolts or otherwise to the same cylinder-heads C C which are iiXed to and form the heads or ends of the steam-chest, and thus dispense with any connection between the walls or casings a and h; and l do not limit my broad claim in this connection to any speciiic way in which the cylinder and steam-chest are secured to each other, as different intermediate means may be used for such purpose, and l consider the scope of my invention in this respect as covering any organization of the steam-cylinder and steam-chest in which the cylinder is located in and coneentrically with or approximately concentric with the steam-chest and in which a single annular or approximately annular opening at each end of the cylinder serves as a steam inlet and outlet port.

The base/G may be cast integral with the steam-chest or be iixed thereto otherwise, if prefer-red. The base G has a steam-chamber g, and at each end of the chamber g is a steamway g', which communicates with the adjacent annular space b' between each annular valve E and the adjacent head C or C', as the case may be. The exhaust-steam is delivered to the chamber g and escapes therefrom through the aperture g2 to any suitable pipe or place. (Not shown.)

Steam may be admitted to the steam-chest or annular interspace between the walls a and h at any desirable place suitable. A preferred place is through the base G by a port g3, the wall g of which is preferably integral with the base G.

An annular or ring-shaped valve E encircles each end of the cylinder A, each of which valves comprises in. its composite structure frame-rings c and c', which are unbroken or complete rings. The ring c (see Figs. 4 and 5) has an annular recess c2 in its outer surface for the reception and retention of the annular outer packing-rin g c3, which seats against the wall Z), and has an annular recess c4 for the reception and retention of the annular packin g-rin g ci The ring e has also apertures or holes e6 e7 laterally therethrough, for purposes hereinafter described. The ring e (see Figs. i and 5) fits against one side of the'ring e, and projects past the :recesses e2 and c4 in the ring e, to aid in retaining the packingrings e3 c5 in place, and has apertures or holes therethrough to coincide with the holes e e7 in the ring e, and holes e9, for purposes hercinafter described.

The packing-rings c3 c5 are composed of arc-shaped sections, each ring preferably of three sections or parts. The ends of the arcshaped sections of the inner packing-ring e5 are made to break joint, as shown at Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 14, which figures show the adjacent end parts of two of the three sections of which the ring is composed. The one end of each section has a recess @1 in one side, and a part c, which projects endwise and outwardly from its other side, (see Fig. 9,) and the other end of each section hasva raised part cl2, which projects outwardly over its end, and a part cl3 at one side, which projects beyond its end and is formed as shown at same ligure. When the ends of the sections are brought together, (see Figs. S, 10, 11, and 14,) the part c12 overlaps the adjacent end of the other section, the part @13 seats in the recess elo, and the part e11 overlaps one side of the adjacent end of the other section and extends outwardly and iits against one side of the part @12. The arc-shaped sections of the packing-ring c5 are of such lengths that when seated on the frame-ring c there is a short space e between their ends, as shown at Figs. 10 and 14, which permits the arcshaped sections to adjust themselves to the valve-seats as said sections and valve-seats wear in use. The adjacent ends of the arcshaped sections, constructed as described, will permit said sections to have such endlong automatic adjustment as the packingrings and valve-seats become worn and will, in all such adjustments, prevent the passage of steam through the valve, in an evident manner.

The shoulder els of the frame-ring e iits into the angle ew, formed in each part cl3, (see Figs. 8 and 11,) and thus lits snugly against the packing-ring sections at their joints and at all parts of the ring on the same side thereof, and which parts are in line, as shown by the dot line thereon at Fig'. S. The ends of the arc-shaped sections of the outer packingring e3 are also made to break joint, as shown at Figs. l2 and 1S, which gures show two of the adjacent end parts of said sections. The one end of each section, as shown best at Fig. 13, has a part @l5 projecting from its end, and also outwardly from its outer side, and the other end of each section has a part c1G projecting from its end. )Vhcn the ends of the arc-shaped sections are brought together, as shown at Fig. 12, the part @15 overlaps the adjacent end of the other section, and the part el overlaps the side of the adjacent section. The arc-shaped sections of the packing-ring e3 are also of such lengths that when seated on the frame-ring c there is a short space el? between their ends, as shown at Fig. 12, by means of which the arc-shaped sections may be more easily seated and fitted to the IOO IIC

ring e than if said sections ahutted each other closelyat their ends. The overlapping ends of the arc-shaped sections, as described and shown, render them steam-tight, as they separate slightly to J'it snugly to their seat against the wall b of the steam-chest as the packingring and its seat become worn in use. To cach section of the packing-ring e3 is one or more holes @20 (see Fig. 5) `through the framering e, which holes admit steam to force the sections over against the opposite wall of the recess e2 and outwardly against the wall l), which forms the'seat for said packing-ring.

To each section of the packing-ring e5 is one or more holes e9 through the frame-ring e', (see Fig. 5,) which admit steam to force the sections of the packing-ring e5 over against the opposite wall of the recess e4 and outward to its scat the wall l). W'hen the valves E are in place, that side of each packing-ring e5 which is to the left hand, as shown at Fig. l1, is toward the adjacent end of the steam-chest or exhaust side of the valve. The framerings e and e' and the packing-rings e3 e5 are lpreferably cast-iron, but any other suitable or preferred metal may be used.

The piston H .may be of any ordinary kind or construction, and the piston-rod h slides through an ordinary stufng-box 7L' in the head O, and is provided at its outer end with a cross-head 71,2 which slides on ordinar Y ouides Y hand thread.

h3, and vis pivotally connected with an ordinary connecting-rod h4, that extends to the crank.

At the points diametrically opposite to each other the two valves E are connected by two rods l, (see Figs. 5 and 77,) which are preferably hollow and are screw-threaded each at both of its ends, the one end with a righthand thread and the other end with a left- These screw-threaded ends enter the holes c6 in the valve-rings @and e', as shown. Valve-actuatin g rods J pass through the stuffing-boxes or valve-rod guides j in the head C, and are screwed one into the adjacent hollow end of each valve-connecting rod l. (See Fig. 5.) The outer ends of the valverods J pass through guides j, which are sup- -ported by a frame-bar j?. Each valve-rod J is in two parts, united by a turn-bucklej, by means of which said valve-rods may be shortened or lengthened to shorten or lengthen the travel of the'valves E, and to shorten or lengthen the lap or lead of said valves in an evident manner, and as may be desired. The valve-rods J are connected by a yoke ,74, which is pivotally connected with an ordi- E. A valve-seat-adjusting rod L extends through the hollow rod I' and is journaled at its ends which project beyond the ends of v the rod l in suitable bearings in the heads C C. One end of the adj usting-rod L extends through the head C, and has a handwheel Z on its outer end.

Within the steam-chest and adjacent to each head C C a pinion Z is fixed upon the adjusting-rod L, the teeth of which pinions Z intermesh with teeth on the respective valve-seats D The adjustingrod L fits loosely within the hollow rod l', so that it can be rotated by means of the hand-wheell without affecting the rod l. The two valveseats D are oppositely screw-threaded, so that when the adjusting-rod L is rotated inone direction to revolve one valve-seat D and thereby adjust it to cover or diminish the size of the adjacent steam-port a2 the other valve D will be simultaneously revolved and move in an opposite direction to cover or diminish the size of its adjacent steam-port a2, and when the adjusting-rod L is rotated in an opposite direction to that last referred to the valve-seats D will be revolved in an opposite direction to that last referred to, and will be simultaneously moved in opposite directions or each toward its adjacent end of the steamchest, and each in a direction to open or increase the size of the opening of its adjacent steam-port a2.

It will be evident that by the adjustments of the valves D, hereinbefore described, and for enlarging or diminishing the sizes of the port-openings a2 on the exhaust sides of the valves E, that by means of the variation of the exhaust thereby obtained, the variation of the expansion may be controlled. i The more that the ports a2 are closed by the valve-seats D the later the exhaust and release and greater the expansion, and the less they are closed the quicker the exhaust and release and less the expansion.

Diametrically opposite the rod I is a rod l2, which is preferably hollow and which is loppositely screw-threaded `at its ends which screw into the valve frame-rings e e. (See Fig. l.)

By rotation of the valve-connecting rods I, I, l', and I2 the valves E can be adjusted toward or from each other, as desired, and thus in an evident manner can the lap and lead of these valves be adjusted, as desired, and in an evident manner that need not be herein described. lt will also be evident that the valves E can be adj usted on their connectingrods l, I, l, and I2 in such positions relatively to the ports a2 that they will not have any lap on their exhaust sides, and thereby adapt the engine for high speed. In fact they may be so adjusted as to have clearance on their exhaust sides. It will also be evident that the valves E, being properly adjusted on their connecting-rods by adjustment of the valveseats D, some lap maybe given to the valves E on their exhaust sides, or the valve-seats IOO IIO

D may be adjusted so that there will not be any lap of the valves E on their exhaust sides, and the engine be thereby adapted, by adjustments of the valve-seats D, for high or lowr speed, as preferred.

The valves E may, if preferred, be constructed otherwise than as I have shown and described, as annular valves of a different structural organization may be used with all the main features of my improvements and maybe adjustably connected with each other, as I have shown and described.

My improvements hereinbefore described can be used with stationary engines, locomotive-engines, or other engines.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In an engine, the coinliiiationsubstantially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder, comprising in its composite structure, an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located within the steam-chest, and a single annular port or opening at each end of the cylinder, of annular or ring-shaped valves seated in the steamchest and which encircle or surround the cylinder and seats for said valves adapted to be adjusted to regulate the size of said, ports.

2. In an engine, the combination substantially as hereinbei'ore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder, comprising` in its composite structure, an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located within the steam-chest, and a single annular port or opening at each end of the cylinder, of annular .or ring-shaped valves seated in the annular steam-chest, and which encircle or surround the cylinder, rods connecting said valves whereby their movements are made to be simultaneous and seats for said valves adapted to be adjusted to regulate the size of said ports.

3. In an engine, the combination substantially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder, comprising in its composite structure, an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located Within the steam-chest, and an annular port or opening at each end of the cylinder, of annular or ring-shaped valves seated in the annular steam-chest and which encircle or surround the cylinder, rods ad j ustably connecting said valves, whereby their distance apart and relation to the steam-ports may be adjusted, and their movements made to be simultaneous and seats for said valves adapted to be adj usted to regulate the size of said ports.

4. An annular or ring-shaped valve, comprising in its composite structure, ring-shaped f rame-rin gs, as e, e', and a packing-ring formed of arc-shaped sections, each section having on one end a recess ew and projecting part e, and on its other end projecting parts cl2, cl3, the part cl3 adapted to lit the recess ew, substantially as and for the purpose described.

5. In an engine, the combination substantially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder7 comprising in its composite structure, an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located within the steam-chest, an annular port or opening at each end of the cylinder, annular or ringshaped valves seated in the annular steamchest and which encircle or surround the cylinder, rods connecting said valves and seats for said valves adapted to be adj usted to regulate the size of said ports, of valve-operating rods connected with the annular valves and extended outwardly through the steam-chest and cylinder-head, and their outer ends connected by suitable valve-gear with the rockerarm which operates them.

6. In an engine, the combination substantially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder, comprising in its composite structure, an annular steamchest, a steam -cylinder located within the steam-chest, an annular port or opening at each end of the cylinder, annular or ringshaped valves seated in the annular steamchest and which encircle or surround the cylinder, rods connecting said valves and seats for said valves adapted to be adjusted to regulat-e the size of said ports, ot' valve-operating rods adjustable in length, and valve-gear connecting said adjustable valve-rods with the engine rocker-shaft.

7. In an engine, the combination substantially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder, comprising in its composite structure an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located within the steam-chest,annular ports or openin gs at each end of the cylinder, of an annular or ringshaped valve-seat adj ustably mounted, to increase or diminish the capacity of the steamports.

8. In an engine, the combination substa-ntially as hereinbefore described, with a combined steam chest and cylinder comprising in its composite structure an annular steamchest, a steam-cylinder located within the steamchest,annular ports or openings at each end of the cylinder, annular valves connected by a hollow rod, and an adjustable annular or ring-shaped valve-seat, a rod, as L, extending through the steam-chest, and provided with pinions Which gear with, for the purpose of adjusting the ring-shaped valve-seats.

0. In an engine, the combination of the annular steam-chest, the cylinder fixed therein, the connect-ed annular valves, a hollow valveconnecting rod, as I, a rod as L extending through the steam-chest and through the hollow rod I', and provided with pinions Z', which gear with for the purpose of adjusting said valve-seat, substantially as described.

l0. In an engine, the combination of the annular steam-chest, the cylinder fixed therein, the steam-ports,the connected annular valves, the annular valve-seat and its adj listing-rod, valve-rods and actuating valve-gear, piston, piston-rod and actuating mechanism, substantially as described.

11. In a steam-engine, the combination of IOO TIO

IZO

an annular steam-chest, a steam-Cylinder located Within the chest, heads for the ehest adapted to form heads for the cylinder and spaced from the Cylinder to form annular ports at the ends of the cylinder, annular or ringshaped valves for said ports, annular Valveseats for said valves having a screw-threaded engagement with said heads, and means for adjusting the seats from Without the Chest to regulate the size of the ports, substantially as described. t

l2. In a steam-engine, the combination of an annular steam-chest, a steam-cylinder located Within the chest, heads for the chest having portions extending Within the chest and forming heads for the Cylinder, spaced from the ends of the cylinder to form annu- 

